Robert Selph Henry Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Robert Selph Henry Papers, 1861-1971, Ms1989-020, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
4.3 Cubic Feet 4 boxes
Creator:
Henry, Robert Selph, 1889-1970
Abstract:
Spanning 1861 to 1971, the Robert Selph Henry Papers consist of correspondence, subject files, photographs, and clippings concerning Henry's research on the American Civil War, focusing on the Confederacy and Nathan Bedford Forrest, and also railroad history. This collection also contains Henry's Southern Historical Association (SHA) and Association of American Railroads papers.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Robert Selph Henry Papers, 1861-1971, Ms1989-020, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert Selph Henry Papers consist of correspondence, subject files, photographs, and clippings concerning Henry's research on the American Civil War, focusing on the Confederacy and Nathan Bedford Forrest, and also railroad history. Most subject files involve research notes and photocopies or transcriptions of primary sources such as diaries, letters, and reminiscences. This collection also contains Henry's Southern Historical Association (SHA) and Association of American Railroads papers.

The collection dates from 1861 to 1971; however, most of the Civil War letters and diaries contained in this collection appear to be either later reprints, transcriptions, or copies of the original. The dates given in this finding aid correspond to the year for the original document. Many of the photographs are reproductions as well.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Selph Henry (1889-1970) was born in Clifton, Tennessee, on October 20, 1889. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with an L.L.B. in 1910 and a BA in 1911. He served as a Captain of Field Artillery in World War I, and remained in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of colonel, until his retirement in 1952. He worked for the newspaper in Nashville (1907-1913), served as secretary to the Governor of Tennessee (1913-1915), practiced as a lawyer in Nashville (1915-1921), and worked for the railroads, first as Director of Public Relations for the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway (1921-1928), then as Assistant to the Vice President of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railrway (1928-1934), and lastly as as the Vice President of the Association of American Railroads (1934-1958).

Henry was also a historian of the American Civil War and the railroads. He published several books including The Story of the Confederacy (1931), The Story of Reconstruction (1938), First with the Most Forrest (1944), and This Fascinating Railroad Business (1942). Henry also served as President of the Southern Historical Association (SHA; 1957).

Acquisition information:
The collection was acquired by Virginia Tech Special Collections in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Robert Selph Henry Papers was completed in July 2013.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized thematically in alphabetical order by folder title.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard